Accommodation

A hotel room is just a place to sleep.

1. Your accommodation is a means to an end. Not the end itself.

A room and a bed should be viewed as a place to rest and relax while travelling. Travelling should not be seen as a route between places of accommodation. Where you stay should be clean and have basic services and facilities, but room service, a sauna, gym and a four star in-house restaurant are not really required. On the other hand, internet access (preferably free), a fridge, a coin laundry, a basic breakfast and a location near transport are all winners.

2. Don't book ahead if you can avoid it

Nothing is worse for the independent traveller than working to a tight itinerary. Having said this, at certain times of the year demand for accommodation can create it's own pressures. A balanced approach to booking, that can only be achieved through experience and/or research, is the best approach.

3. But do book your first night

Despite what is said in the tip above, there is one situation where booking ahead it highly recommended. Always book the first night of your trip. Having somewhere to go at the end of a long flight is a necessity. Not only should you have accommodation booked, but you should also have a plan to get there.

4. Plan your trips avoiding tourist high seasons.

Prices in peak season will be sky high. Crowds and queues will greet you at all the popular venues and demand for accommodation will be at its highest. Consider travelling in shoulder or even off season. Climatic conditions can be a little 'chancy' but their impact is often over rated. Remember, locals live, work, get about and play in all seasons.

5. Use discount chain motels/hotels

Most countries now have chain motels/hotels that offer fairly standard rooms at very reasonable rates. Such chains are most common in the USA, where stiff competition provides the traveller with a wide range of accommodation options. Most even offer discounts on top of their already reasonable rates for seniors, auto club members and service personal.

6. Look for self-contained accommodation

In some countries, motels and hotels with simple kitchens are relatively common. Self-catering can save you a lot of money.

7. In large cities, select accommodation on the fringes of the city

Use the internet and Google Earth to select accommodation in less popular areas, but close to frequent and reliable transport. Even in cities like London, New York and Paris, accommodation at the ends of subway lines can cost a fraction of central city rooms of the same quality.

8. Consider short term cottage and apartment rentals

If you have a vehicle, centering yourself in a country cottage for a week or so can be both relaxing and economical. Weekly apartment/cottage rental rates, particularly out of peak season, can be extremely attractive. There is also the added benefit of self-catering.

9. Motorhome hires can provide a totally different experience

While not everybody's cup of tea, motorhome travel can cut accommodation costs significantly. In some countries, 'free camping' can reduce costs to near zero. Be warned though, some experience with the rigours of camping is probably required before heading off in a van in a foreign country.

10. Hostel accommodation can be a surprise

Modern hostels have moved well beyond the barrack style accommodations that once charactised them. En-suite rooms or simple double rooms with shared bathrooms are now more the standard. Nor are hostels just the preserve of the young.